Best mini ovens 2024: Which? Best Buys and expert buying advice

Whether you know them as mini ovens, countertop ovens, toaster ovens or mini electric ovens, these compact kitchen marvels are the perfect complement to British kitchens of all sizes. 

Ideal for those in studio flats, shared accommodation or even caravans, mini ovens offer a practical solution for cooking a variety of dishes without the need for a full-sized oven. They conveniently plug into a standard 13A mains socket and voila: your mini kitchen station is ready.

To browse all of the mini ovens we've tested, head to our mini oven reviews.

Best mini ovens for 2024

The following mini ovens are the best we've tested.

Only logged-in Which? members can see our Best Buy recommendations. If you're not yet a member, join Which? to get instant access.

Last updated: March 2024

How to buy the best mini oven

Before taking the plunge and buying a mini oven, there are several things you should keep in mind:

• How much space do you have? We’ve found there’s no definite criteria for ‘mini’ among manufacturers. If you're in a compact space, measure your countertop area carefully to ensure the oven will fit comfortably.
• What do you want to use your mini oven for? Do you intend to use it for basic reheating, or are you planning on roasting meats and baking bread or pastries? More ambitious cooking will demand a model with a greater capacity and a wider range of cooking functions. A mini oven can also serve as a secondary oven for big gatherings or parties –  when your main oven is filled with a Christmas turkey, a mini oven for your roast potatoes can be a godsend. 
• How much can you spend? If you're on a tight budget, think about whether the mini oven will complement your existing kitchen setup, or if it will serve as your primary cooker.
• Do you already own a microwave? Some people wonder if it's worth buying a mini oven if you already own a microwave. While microwaves are great for reheating food quickly, mini ovens typically offer more functions, including the ability to grill, bake, and even roast – providing a more conventional cooking experience. Air fryers have become an incredibly popular countertop kitchen appliance in the past few years, but they too have their limitations. While air fryers excel at creating crispy ‘fried’ textures with less oil, their capacity is typically smaller, and they may not perform as well at tasks such as baking or roasting.

Ready to turn your kitchen countertop into a cooking powerhouse? Check out our pages on other small appliances, such as the best air fryers or the best microwaves. 

Mini oven types explained

Traditional mini ovens

As the name suggests, these are compact versions of conventional ovens and have similar capabilities, such as baking, broiling and toasting. However, some models come equipped with additional features like hobs, rotisseries, or even built-in air fryers, which can expand their versatility significantly.

Toaster ovens

Another variant, toaster ovens are primarily designed to toast bread and bagels but often include baking and broiling functions, blurring the line between these and other types of mini ovens. There’s no clear definition of where a toaster oven ends and a mini oven begins, so keep in mind that you could see models described with either term depending on where you look.

Best mini oven features to consider

• Adjustable temperature controls Choose a mini oven with accurate and easy-to-adjust temperature controls, so you can cook your food perfectly.
• Timer function A handy reminder to ensure you don't overcook your meals.
• Multiple rack positions Gives flexibility in cooking different dishes, and allows you to cook two foods at once.
• Convection cooking A convection fan circulates hot air around the food for faster and more even cooking.
• Ease of use Mini ovens should be easy to use and clean. Look for a model with clear controls and a removable crumb tray. 
• Included accessories Look for a mini oven with a baking tray, pizza stone or rotisserie spit that offers a more specialised approach to certain foods.
• Warranty Like all appliances, opting for a mini oven with a good warranty will be helpful if you run into any problems down the line. 

Are mini ovens any good?

Absolutely. Whether you want to quickly heat a pasty, bake a Victoria sponge cake or grill some bangers, a good mini oven is a cost-effective, space-saving and versatile cooking solution.

However, there's a big difference in the highest-rated mini ovens we've found and the lowest. Some mini ovens supply heat really well, allowing for perfectly risen cakes, and some will leave you with a flat and unappetising result. When we measured the temperature deviation across the top level of the oven cavity when set to 200°C, we found one model with a massive 50°C difference – perfect in the unlikely event you're cooking for two, and one of you prefers their half of the food burnt, but for most people this is going to be far from ideal. Our highest-rated models, for comparison, managed only small variations of less than 10°C.  

Grills, again, vary massively. We test the grills' ability to heat evenly using a sheet of bread, then measure the colour deviation in the toast it produces. The mini oven with the best grill cooked 98% of the sheet fairly evenly, while the worst came out with a measly 55% browned, concentrating most of its heat towards the rear. 

Because of their small size, mini ovens heat up incredibly quickly, with the slowest we've had on test taking just over six minutes, and the rest averaging just over three and a half. 

Check out our mini oven reviews to find the models we've made Best Buys.

What can you use a mini oven for?

From a simple cheese toastie to a hearty Sunday roast, the mini oven is a small but mighty kitchen companion. Despite its compact size, it can comfortably perform a wide range of culinary tasks, making it a great addition to any kitchen.

• Toasting Need to toast your morning bagel to perfection? A mini oven has you covered.
• Roasting How about roasting a succulent chicken for Sunday lunch? Not a problem at all.
• Baking Mini ovens can also bake just as effectively as their full-sized counterparts. It might take a bit of practice to adjust to the smaller size, but with a bit of experimentation you'll be creating perfectly baked cakes and pastries in no time. If your mini oven doesn't have a convection feature, you may need to rotate your cake midway through baking to ensure even cooking. Also, remember to adjust the temperature as needed. Because mini ovens often heat up faster and run hotter than conventional ovens, you may need to lower the temperature slightly or shorten the baking time to prevent your bakes from burning or drying out.
• Reheating This feature is particularly useful for those living alone or students wanting a hot meal without using a larger, more energy-hungry conventional oven.
• Boiling and frying Mini ovens with built-in hobs offer even more versatility. 

If you'd rather go for a larger and more traditional oven, our guide to the best built-in ovens has you covered.

How much do mini ovens cost to buy and run?

In the UK, the cost of mini ovens can span a wide range. A basic model with standard functions might set you back around £40, while a high-end model from a premium brand might cost over £250. 

It's essential to factor in not just the upfront cost but also the appliance's efficiency and potential impact on your electricity bills. Of the models we've tested, we've found the average price to be around £150, but we've seen energy usage vary massively. The most power-hungry models can cost over 50p per hour of use at 210°C, while the most efficient can give you an hour of cooking at this temperature for just 12p. Those differences will add up quickly, especially if you intend on using your mini oven as your main appliance.

Find out more about how much your appliances cost to run.

Are mini ovens safe?

Mini ovens, like any other electrical appliances, are safe when used correctly and responsibly. They should be placed on a stable, heat-resistant surface, away from any flammable materials. There should be sufficient space around the oven to allow heat to disperse, preventing any potential fire hazards.

As with all cooking appliances, they should never be left unattended while in use.

Always remember to turn your mini oven off after use and keep it clean to prevent grease and food particle build-ups.

Find out more about how we test mini ovens.